Wednesday, 25 March 2009

Compare and contrast these two pictures. What does South African politician Barbara Hogan (belowleft) have that the creature on the right doesn't have? Answers at the end of this post.

It's difficult to believe, I know, but it's true: a member of the African National Congress (ANC), and a cabinet minister nogal, has had the good sense and the sheer pluck to break ranks with her own party and condemn the Government's refusal to grant a visa to the Dalai Lama.

Not only that, but she has - gasp! - called on the gruelling party to apologise. "Just the very fact that this government has refused entry to the Dalai Lama is an example of a government that is dismissive of human rights," said Hogan.

Hogan, South Africa's health minister, is already the darling of health activists and professionals in South Africa because of her no-nonsense commitment to tackling the Aids pandemic, in contrast to her predecessor, Manta Tshabalala Msimang, who became an object of derision during her disastrous tenure as health minister.

The reaction from the ANC? '"We don't want to comment on the Minister of Health's comments," was all the presidential spokesman had to say. "We're all too busy sharpening our knives and signing Congratulations on Your Retirement! cards."

Ok, I made that last bit of the quote up, but slap me with a wet jellyfish if Ms Hogan doesn't find a boot mark on her bottom within the next few months.